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New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

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New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

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Description

The legendary landscapes and natural beauty of New Zealand’s North Island are simply unbeatable, but there’s so much more to the region than its showstopping scenery. This 10-day adventure takes you from the bright lights of Auckland to creative and contemporary Wellington. Along the way, your local leader will introduce you to the beaches and forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Add a hangi dinner with a Maori community and kiwi spotting and you’re in for a classic Kiwi adventure.

Trip Name
New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Swap Auckland’s city vibes for the natural beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, including a visit to Hot Water Beach, where all you need is a spade to create your own natural hot tub.
  • Discover Rotorua’s heritage, from colourful geothermal activity to the rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
  • Walk through the wild landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald-green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, you can even tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Visit Hobbiton – the living set where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Auckland
Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) – the land of the long white cloud! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city on the North Island. Meet your local leader and new travel friends at your accommodation at 6 pm for a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the beach down at Mission Bay or take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After the meeting, maybe dip into Auckland’s nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, leave the city in the rear-view mirror as you drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, following the coastline. A land of white-sand beaches and rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm water that’s found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, you can dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub! After a visit to Cathedral Cove, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon.
Day 3 - Coromandel Peninsula
Hit the road and make the scenic drive along the Coromandel Peninsula. Join your local leader as they show you some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. This afternoon, maybe stop into Kuaotunu to try their famous ice cream and check out Coromandel Township. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Day 4 - Rotorua
This morning, watch the landscape change from beach to farmland as you drive to Waikato. Stop at Karangahake Gorge to see the remains of gold mining tunnels and railway tracks. Then, continue to Hobbiton – the living set where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. After wandering through Middle Earth, continue your journey to Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage and hotbed of geothermal activity with its distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). When you arrive, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 m at the highest point.
Day 5 - Rotorua
Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – home to simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening, you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner alongside a soul-stirring haka performance.
Day 6 - Taupo
Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to unwind with your free morning. Or, maybe head to Kuirau Park to walk through a landscape of hissing natural hot pools. This afternoon, say goodbye to Rotorua and hit the road for Taupo, stopping at the thundering Huka Falls along the way. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – this town is one of the most scenic spots in the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore the area and the nearby Tongariro National Park.
Day 7 - Taupo
A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from – maybe go sailing on Lake Taupo, or if you’re a keen hiker, you may want to consider the Tongariro Crossing – New Zealand’s most famous day hike. The path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and through bushland.
Day 8 - Wellington
Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive on to New Zealand’s trendy capital city. Strung between green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto its small-town charm despite its capital status. Along the way, you’ll stop in the small of Taumaranui, where you’ll visit a local marae (Maori meeting house). You’ll be welcomed onto Morero marae with a traditional Powhiri. Once at the marae, you can sit down for a korero (conversation) with members of the local iwi about their way of life in this special region. After, share some kai (food) before continuing to Wellington. When you arrive, your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city. Then, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe head up Mt Victoria for a the views or explore the city’s booming food scene.
Day 9 - Wellington
Kick the day off with a visit to Zealandia – a conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Then, visit the Weta Workshop – this special effects studio was used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy! While here, you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team created movie magic. This afternoon, maybe check out the Te Papa Museum. Displaying a combination of history and cultural heritage, the exhibits feature interactive displays and there’s something here for everyone.
Day 10 - Wellington
It’s time to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring Wellington, get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 5,760-
24-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 4,072-
28-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 5,680-
03-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 4,072-
11-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 5,230-
25-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 3,592-
08-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 4,520-
02-06-202611-06-2026AUD $ 4,350-
15-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 4,350-
15-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 5,095-
06-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 5,530-
20-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 5,030-
27-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 4,860-
03-11-202612-11-2026AUD $ 5,190-
10-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 4,990-
17-11-202626-11-2026AUD $ 5,060-
24-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 5,130-
01-12-202610-12-2026AUD $ 5,090-
08-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 4,990-
22-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
29-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 5,090-
05-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 5,025-
12-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 5,025-
19-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 5,025-
26-01-202704-02-2027AUD $ 5,025-
02-02-202711-02-2027AUD $ 5,025-
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $ 5,025-
09-02-202718-02-2027AUD $ 5,025-
11-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 5,025-
16-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 5,025-
23-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 5,030-
02-03-202711-03-2027AUD $ 4,935-
09-03-202718-03-2027AUD $ 4,935-
16-03-202725-03-2027AUD $ 4,655-
23-03-202701-04-2027AUD $ 4,795-
06-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 4,795-
13-04-202722-04-2027AUD $ 4,655-
27-04-202706-05-2027AUD $ 4,795-
11-05-202720-05-2027AUD $ 4,795-
25-05-202703-06-2027AUD $ 4,795-
08-06-202717-06-2027AUD $ 4,655-
06-07-202715-07-2027AUD $ 4,655-
03-08-202712-08-2027AUD $ 4,655-
14-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 4,655-
05-10-202714-10-2027AUD $ 4,885-
19-10-202728-10-2027AUD $ 4,885-
26-10-202704-11-2027AUD $ 5,035-
02-11-202711-11-2027AUD $ 5,035-
16-11-202725-11-2027AUD $ 5,035-
23-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 5,035-
30-11-202709-12-2027AUD $ 5,180-
07-12-202716-12-2027AUD $ 5,180-
21-12-202730-12-2027AUD $ 5,180-
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 5,180-

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map

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